Niigata Visit - Help

[Akai-San]

How are the roads in April (Spring)? Will there still be slushy snow around? Should be making our way during the Sakura Bloom week or there abouts. Spring is my favorite time in Japan. Just an awesome time of year.

[keokoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by Akai-San How are the roads in April (Spring)? Will there still be slushy snow around? Should be making our way during the Sakura Bloom week or there abouts. Spring is my favorite time in Japan. Just an awesome time of year.

I was there last spring as well during Sakura time. It didnt seem too much snow. The roads seemed like they made big progress after the quake. I think going in the spring is the time to go. I may even go to check out some tosai and visit some Bonsai pals..

Joe

[xiaohuang7]

Aki,

My friend and I bought fish without a broker last year. If your situation is the put-it-the back-of-the-trunk and drive home, then I wouldn't think you'd require a broker. But what the hell do I know. Anyhow, here's a copy of our secret map. It was many hours of work... good luck.

If you drive around yourselves, you might still need to borrow a pass to get into the mountains (earthquake related). Call Kaz Takeda in the evenings, at the New Otani around late March/early April. He's a US broker and will be doing a koi documentary -- he may be able to hook you up with a pass.

The 2006 KB thread about passes is here: Yahoo! Maps Nagaoka/Ojiya - Mountain Passes

Thread with webcam/road conditions link: Niigata Live Webcams

John

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by xiaohuang7 Aki, My friend and I bought fish without a broker last year. If your situation is the put-it-the back-of-the-trunk and drive home, then I wouldn't think you'd require a broker. But what the hell do I know. Anyhow, here's a copy of our secret map. It was many hours of work... good luck. If you drive around yourselves, you might still need to borrow a pass to get into the mountains (earthquake related). Call Kaz Takeda in the evenings, at the New Otani around late March/early April. He's a US broker and will be doing a koi documentary -- he may be able to hook you up with a pass. The 2006 KB thread about passes is here: Yahoo! Maps Nagaoka/Ojiya - Mountain Passes Thread with webcam/road conditions link: Niigata Live Webcams John

Passes for the mountains are no longer needed.

Russ